-
Period: to
Origins of the American Tradition
-
American Literature
John Eliot translates the Bible into Algonquin; its printing makes it the first Bible published in North America. -
American History
During the Salem witch trials, 150 people are accused of practicing witchcraft and 20 are executed. -
American History
The French and Indian War erupts between English and French Colonists over territory disputes. -
Period: to
New England Renaissance
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American Literature
Noah Webster publishes the first English dictionary. -
American History
The Monroe Doctrine proclaims that European countries should no longer interfere with American affairs. -
World History
Queen Victoria becomes monarch of Great Britain at age eighteen; she would reign for almost sixty-four years. -
Period: to
Slavery, Civil War, and the Transition to Realism
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American Literature
William Wells Brown publishes Clotel, becoming the first African-American novelist to be published. -
American History
Open violence breaks out between abolitionists and pro-slavery Americans in the Kansas-Nebraska territory, dubbed "Bleeding Kansas" by the press. -
World History
Charles Darwin introduces the theory of evolution to the London Linnaean Society. -
American History
The Civil War ends with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, Virginia. -
Period: to
Expanding Frontiers
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American History
President Andrew Johnson is impeached; he avoids expulsion from office by one vote in the U.S. Senate -
American History
Yellow Stone is established as the world's first national park. -
American History
Lakota Sioux and North Cheyenne forces defeat General George Armstrong Custer's cavalry at the Battle of Little Big Horn -
Period: to
Early Twentieth Century
-
American History
The U.S. Supreme Court declares Standard Oil a monopoly and orders John Rockefeller to dissolve the corporation. -
1914
Ford's Model T dominates the automobile market, selling more than all other models combined. -
American History
The Chicago White Sox intentionally lose the World series, resulting in the "Black Sox" scandal. -
American History
The stock market plunges dramatically, leading to the Great Depression. -
Period: to
Depression & World War II
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American History
The Social Security Act provides benefits for retired workers, the unemployed, people with disabilities, and others in need. -
American History
African-American track star Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in the Olympics, held in Berlin. -
American History
The Baseball Hall of Fame is established in Cooperstown, New York. -
American History
On August 6 and 9, the United States drops two nuclear weapons on Japan; Japan surrenders on August 15, ending World War II -
Period: to
Postwar Era
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American History
Jackie Robinson becomes African American to play major league baseball in the twentieth century. -
American History
Alger Hiss, a former member of the U.S. Department of State, is accused of being a Soviet spy. -
American History
The United States successfully detonates the first hydrogen bomb on the island on Enewetak . -
American History
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed for selling nuclear arms secrets to the Soviet Union. -
Period: to
Early Contemporary Era
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American History
President John F. Kennedy is assassinated; Lyndon B. Johnson assumes office. -
American History
Thurgood Marshall becomes first African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice. -
American History
Senator Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated while campaigning for the presidency. -
American History
Richard Nixon is elected president. -
American History
Neil Armstrong becomes the first human to walk on the moon.
